ok... so here's the deal: i am trying to initialize/format new HD. Bios sees it. Windows will see it in computer management, and device manager. When I try to initialize or format it the disk will disappear. so, what now?
Besides all the troubleshooting steps that @popatim mentioned, you could also try resetting BIOS by re-seating the CMOS battery or resetting the jumper on your motherboard. This guide can walk you through the different methods: http://www.wikihow.com/Reset-Your-BIOS
However, this would get your BIOS settings back to factory defaults, so you'd need to re-configure them afterwards.
Either way, it does sound like a faulty SATA cable, so I'd start with that.